Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed in dogs. A study even found that CCL makes up almost 85% of all dog orthopedic surgeries every year.(2) Luckily, pet insurance can help cover the cost of it. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
Let’s start with what this surgery is and why is it needed in the first place.
What is ACL in Dogs?
ACL basically is the knee joint which consists of 6 main ligaments. (1)
Cranial and caudal cruciate ligament – These cross the joint and help in the forward and backward movements.
Medial and lateral collateral ligaments – These go on the sides and help with the sideways movement.
Meniscus – These are like C-shaped discs that absorb the shocks and distribute the dog’s weight. They are the ones that damage when the cruciate ligament is torn.
What a sophisticated piece of engineering, isn’t it?
What are the symptoms of a ligament tear in dogs?
It is not very difficult to spot a dog with knee problems. Below are some signs to look out for – (3)
Limping
Shifting the weight away from the injured leg
Avoiding or having difficulty jumping
Sitting with the injured leg on the side
Swollen knee
A popping sound when the dog moves
Reduced activity levels
If you spot any of these, it is best to consult a vet immediately. The vet can confirm a torn ligament using X-rays.
When Does a Dog Need ACL Surgery?
When the CCL is damaged or torn, surgery is needed to repair it. This is similar to what happens in the case of a torn ligament in us, humans. It is usually caused by the following factors –
Sudden movements - Jumping, skidding, turning, or twisting quickly
Overweight – Sudden movements become riskier when the dog is overweight
Degeneration - Genetic, conformational, or immune-mediated processes can weaken the ligament over time.
An unstable cruciate ligament can cause immense pain, inflammation, lameness, and even arthritis in dogs. Over time, stiffness can affect the quality of life as it can make activities like getting up, climbing stairs, jumping, etc. very difficult.
Read More: How Much is Dog ACL Surgery?
What are the Benefits of ACL Surgery in Dogs?
Unfortunately, a torn cruciate ligament doesn’t regenerate. Hence, the surgery involves either mimicking the ligament or altering the functionality of a dog’s joint. Surgery can be the best chance for your dog to help minimize pain and inflammation and return back to almost the same levels of activity as before.
Surgery is recommended even for dogs with partial tears as they can eventually grow into full tears. The vet will consider the dog’s size, weight and activity levels before moving forward with the surgery. It is estimated that this surgery has a success rate of as high as 85%-90%. Having said that, the surgery cannot prevent the development of arthritis. (2)
Are There Any Risks of ACL Surgery in Dogs?
While the success rate is very high for ACL surgery in dogs, there can be certain risks associated with it. Here are some of the possible ones – (1)
Anesthesia complications
Joint infection
Bone fracture
Excessive bleeding
Breakage of the implant device
Implant infection
Post-operation complications like infection or inflammation
Can ACL Surgery be Avoided in Dogs?
Yes, a dog can recover from a ligament tear without surgery. It depends on the complexity of the case, but some dogs can recover using alternatives like orthopedic braces and supplements. It is highly recommended to consult a vet before deciding to go for alternatives as some cases may require surgery. (3)
How Much Does ACL Surgery in Dogs Cost?
ACL surgery is an invasive surgery and can be pretty expensive. The total cost will depend on several factors like the type of surgery, complexity of the case, type of facility, location, etc. You can expect the total cost to be anywhere between $1500-$7000. (1)
The dog may need post-surgery care, usually up to 2-3 months. The vet may even prescribe calming medications for pain relief and sedatives to avoid further injuries. X-rays will be needed during the follow-up visits to check if the bones are healing properly or not and if the implants are working fine.
Alternate therapies like laser therapy, aqua therapy, etc., may be prescribed to help speed up the healing process. The dog may even need prescription diets to help manage the weight to avoid obesity in the future. All of these can add another couple of hundred dollars to the total care bill.
Not if you have pet insurance, though.
What does Pet Insurance Cover?
Most pet insurance providers will help cover the cost of an ACL surgery if it is not a pre-existing condition at the time of enrollment. There may be a waiting period as well after enrollment during which if the dog gets injured, it may not be covered by the policy.
With Spot Pet Insurance, you’ll be able to get reimbursed up to 90% on not only eligible surgery costs but also all costs related to prescription diets, alternate therapies, follow-up vet visits, medications and more.
More about Spot Pet Insurance
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
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With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
